As we step into the New Year, some might feel that the holiday break was a bit too short, filled with the rush of events and family gatherings. Before diving headfirst into 2024, why not take a breather? A short break can work wonders for your body and spirit.

Wondering where to go when you just want to stay in one place, where parking isn't a hassle, and every family member can comfortably do their own thing? The usual answer might be one of the many giant malls around the metro, but for this new year, consider heading to somewhere more quaint, homey, and yes, breezy.

Check out The Corner House, located along P. Guevarra Street corner Recto Street in the City of San Juan. Standing outside, you might feel a sense of déjà vu — it's inspired by The Commons in Bangkok and designed by the same Thai architect. While not an exact copy, The Corner House takes design cues from The Commons, a well-admired and popular venue in Bangkok.

According to ArchDaily, The Commons in Bangkok has a vertical open-air public space, and “starts with the Ground, which is a landscape of steps and ramps integrated with platforms, seatings, planting, and small kiosks; the area is well shaded by the third and the fourth floor structure above protecting the entire space from the sun and the rain.” The Ground “vertically opens up through large voids on the upper floors, connecting to a large public open-air area. The space vertically and horizontally flows in and out the entire building and allows for natural ventilation throughout. This airy semi-outdoor space is incorporated with gardens on all levels. It becomes an active vertical urban living area. It is a place for strolling and relaxing at any time and in any season.”  

The aforementioned description for The Commons may very well be the description of The Corner House. The San Juan structure, with its four floors and three basement parking spaces, similarly embraces wind and light flow, creating an airy and semi-outdoor atmosphere.

Arthur Dichaves from The Corner House shared that the inspiration struck during a family visit to Bangkok, where they marveled at The Commons and wondered why something similar didn't exist in the Philippines. Since Dichaves already has the concept, the search for the land is next. It turned out that the lot where Cafe Ysabel used to stand was being sold. An adjacent lot was also up for sale, providing an ideal location (since his family also lives nearby). Construction began a few months before the pandemic, and despite some delays, it finally opened in August 2023.

Shortly after opening, The Corner House gained instant fame on Instagram as an "aesthetic community mall." Vlogs showcased its cool white interior, TikTok videos featured people walking fashionably, using different corners as backdrops. The open-air concept was also embraced by the community as the pandemic emphasized the importance of proper air circulation.

Beyond aesthetics, Dichaves emphasizes that The Corner House is a "second home"— “a place for the entire family from morning to evening. Moms can have their parlor time, dads can go to the gym or barbershop, kids have a play space, and teens can bond with friends at A.M. Espresso Coffee. There's even a One World Deli branch here.”

As a community mall, it offers an events space for 100 people. For larger gatherings of at least 1,000 people, the entire place can be rented, as Spotify did a few months back. By early next year, The Corner House will be complete, and much anticipated is the opening of a Michelin-star restaurant from Hong Kong. The tenant selection is deliberate, he said, as they focused on supporting home-grown brands and helping small businesses.

In 2024, as it completes its tenant mix and launches mini-events soon like art fairs, pottery-making sessions, or weekend bazaars for the community to gather, there's no better place to be than your second home at the corner — The Corner House.